About Fukufuji (long)

[Tokyo]

Let me just say I am sooo happy that Fukufuji was able to make it to the NHL. I was also so lucky that Fukufuji made his debut in a game that was on NBC. I live in Monterey right now so normally I can never see kings games. I've never had such personal reasons to root for a player before.

As some of you know I spent a long time in Japan and while I was their I rooted for Kokudo, a team in the Japan Ice Hockey League. Ice hockey is really minor there but there are some very loyal fans and I still miss going to the games. Anyway, I first met Fukufuji on a train to one of the games (many players take the train to the game which was played in an arena next to a station). He had just graduated from high school and there was an unusual ammount of buzz about him. We talked and he was a little shy but very down to earth. It took some time but after a little time in the ECHL with the Cyclones he came back an took over the no. 1 spot from a long time veteran with Kokudo (not easy in Japan where the no.1 goalie plays 95% + of the games and the league favors veterans). Even after becoming the no. 1 Yutaka was always approachable and down to earth when I talked with him (the league in general is filled with very nice guys).

Unfortunately I had to return to the US but right before I returned I was shocked and overjoyed to find that Fukufuji had not only been drafted by the NHL, a fantastic feat by itself, but he had been drafted by MY Los Angeles Kings! (It would have been really hard for me to buy jersey with his name on it if he had been drafted by another team).

Needless to say I followed his progress in the ECHL, going to several Condors games in Long Beach and even Bakersfield (which has a very nice arena by the way) and on the internet after he went to Reading and Manchester. Things didn't look good this last season and so with him getting into injury trouble and failing to be able to put together a good long stretch. I was afraid he would get lost in the shuffle and finish his contract in Reading without ever getting to the AHL much less the NHL. I had heard from a mutual friend that the hard travel schedule of the ECHL was also taking a toll on his body.

But as you can see I have finally rewarded for following a team that has consistantly failed to find good goaltending and stay out of injury trouble. Earlier this season when he was called up to sit on the bench I bit the bullet financially and ordered a jersey with his name on it. Once when talking with him in Bakersfield I promised him if he played even 1 minute in the NHL I was going to get his jersey. So, when he was called up I ordered it that night (it was actually denied by the NHL site but that's another story, I did get it ordered). Even though he didn't get to play I wanted to get it because I thought that might be the last time I see him up. Little did I know that a day like today would come.

I just wish I could jump back to Japan and see the reaction of the many friends of mine that I made at hockey games while there and see the news reports. Although this will never be as big news as say, Matsuzaka in Boston or Nomo in the beginning, this is big and I hope it helps the league over there.

[CowMix]

Suck that his first NHL start probably won't be on FSN though.

[x-wingcamewest]

Nice post, enjoy the ride kiddo

[A5MINMJR]

How very awsome. I am glad for you and Fukufuji. I hope he gets at least a start and a win.

[pug]

As a Royals fan, it's awesome to watch a guy who played in Reading play in the NHL. Must be even more of a thrill for you; knowing how long you've been watching him. Wear that jersey proudly!

[QuickBen]

In the ear of mega bucks a great fan story!

As a Brit who has absolutely never rated David Beckham I can only apologise for his coming to LA and nicking all AEG's millions......would much rather they went to Kopitar

[KBM]

I hope Fuky makes a big name for himself. Great story.

Hey Tokyo!
I really liked this topic. I've read it a few days ago and I decided to suscribe to this boad today. I'm a fervent Canucks fan but Fukufuji's NHL debut lead me to this board naturally and to follow king's game I hope you guys don't have a problem with it I've discovered your team and all the problems that you have　this year. We had the kind of same trouble with our goaltending but we had Auld and he was a great backup. I really hope that you get better soon !! I'll follow the kings more often from now, Fukufuji or not.

BTW Im a Japanese hockey fan who tries to follow desperatly the NHL. lol
I think that you'll like this video that I uploaded a few minutes ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRCHHpM2g3g
You can notice the Fushimi Skate rink, Kokudo's home rink. Ive just been there yesterday, because i had some stuff todo with Max, hockey shop, and we've discussed about Fukufuji. Maybe you know them too